The Astra range comprises two 1.0-litre models with manual transmissions, four 1.4-litre variants offering both manual and automatic transmissions and two 1.6 turbo-fed versions, both fitted with manual transmission. The three-cylinder engine in the entry-level Essentia and Enjoy produce 77kW and 170Nm and have a claimed combined cycle fuel consumption of 4.4l/100km and emissions of 102g/km.
The 1.4 versions kick out 110kW and 230km (manual transmission) and 110/kW and 245kW (automatic transmission). Claimed combined fuel consumption for the manual version is given as 5.1/100km and for the for the auto models. The two manual-only 1.6 turbo-fed models, the Sport and Sport Plus, produce 147 kW and 280Nm and have a claimed combined cycle fuel consumption of 8.0l/100km.
The 11th generation Astra brims with a rich loading of class-leading advanced driver assistance which places it amongst the most efficient, lightest and best connected cars on the road. This is enriched by impressive safety and driver assistance technology.
The Opel’s clever white coats have constructed the latest five-door hatchback to shed about 200kg in body weight and to shrink slightly in length and height and yet to offer more cabin space and legroom. The special new lightweight superstructure is also stronger than before, so the Astra is safer, and handles better.
Fancy onboard kit include an IntelliLink touch screen with satellite navigation and advanced infotainment interface, and IntelliLux LED matrix lighting (a first in this segment, it makes driving at night considerably less stressful).
A lot of the above requires detailed explanation and is much too complicated to go into detail here, so book enough time with an Opel dealer and get the sales staff to earn their commission by explaining it all.
In terms of looks, the Astra’s attractive lines speak for themselves: clever design makes it look wider, lower, more streamlined and more agile to underline its willingness to play and perform – which the Astra does, by the truck-load .
Like the Astra’s sophisticated on-board equipment, much of the technical details of why and how it handles so well, responds so quickly, clings to the tarmac like SARS to a tax refund when a dispute is declared, and delivers power so sharply and efficiently, are also complicated, high-tech stuff so again I pass the buck to the Opel sales people who have been trained to understand and explain.
I drove the Astra in all its guises, in manual and automatic, from the 1.0-litre lower end to the top of the range 1.6T Sport, at the media launch which took us from East London to Port Elizabeth and although I enjoyed all the models, my personal choice would be the 1.4T Sport automatic. I loved its Siena leather covered (and heated!) sport seats, attractive instrument lay-out, ambient cabin lighting and steering-wheel rich with switches and dials for a host of functions, all intuitive so that you hardly need to take your eyes off the road.
But best of all, the car’s willingness to sprint and play, the sharp, direct steering wheel, slick transmission and the overall solid demeanour the car exudes. The cabin is really well insulated and even when you pour on the coals, engine, wind and road noises never become irritatingly intrusive.
Besides performing with cocky gusto – zero to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds for the manual and nine seconds for the automatic, and a top speed of 215 km/h for both versions – the 1.4T models boast an impressive power to weight ratio, thanks to being 100 kilograms lighter and 7kW more powerful than the model it replaces. A six-speed manual or six-speed automatic is available in the Enjoy as well as Sport models.
The likeable German five-door goes out of its way to make the journey enjoyable for all occupants, with strong focus on the driver, with electronic climate control, power windows, fully-adjustable steering wheel, on-board computer, electric, heated side-mirrors, interior ambient lighting, cruise control and speed limiter, rain sensor wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror and more.
Safety has always been high priority with Opel and the Astra is loaded with front airbags for driver and co-driver, thorax-pelvis side airbags and full-length curtain airbags for the first and second row. Combined with the advanced front safety systems such as body-mounted retractor/pre-tensioners with load limiter, seat-mounted lap pre-tensioners and seat-integrated pelvis ramp, the new Astra ensures maximum passenger protection.
Other key safety features across the range include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Traction Control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Cornering Brake Control (which provides directional vehicle stability during cornering while braking), Torque vectoring and other torque controls, Brake Disc Cleaning and a Trailer Stability Program.
Opel has been close to the South African motoring public (and motor racing fans) for many years and the latest Astra will no doubt be welcomed with open arms – and viewed with trepidation by competitors and potential rivals alike, thanks to its past history in this country and the international acclaim that preceded its arrival in South Africa this time round.
New Opel Astra models and prices (including a five-year warranty and roadside assistance, and a five-year/90,000mk service plan) are:
1.0T Essentia - R254,000
1.0T Enjoy - R284,300
1.4T Enjoy MT - R328,000
1.4T Enjoy AT - R338,000
1.4T Sport MT - R354,000
1.4T Sport AT - R374,000
1.6T Sport MT - R387,000
1.6T Sport PLUS MT - R 407,000
